A package of common sense measures -- including my bill to crack down on assault weapons, as well as critical background checks and limits on guns sales, and the vital crime-solving tool of microstamping -- would create the basic protections we need to truly save lives. In fact, my assault weapons bill would ban the military-style weapon used in last week's Newtown tragedy.

Join us for Post-Sandy Pop Up Assistance Sites. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives will be on site to answer questions and help residents and businesses apply for disaster assistance. Additional locations and dates will continually be added to this page

Please note that information on this page will be continually updated.

I hope that you and your family are safe in the aftermath of the storm.

It's going to be days and weeks until things are back to normal in parts of our city. In the meantime, it's important to stay safe and make sure you're prepared for the possibility of extended power outages, vastly reduced transit services, and overtaxed city services.

On October 24th, Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried -- the sponsors of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) -- hosted a public forum on their pending legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identiy and break down barriers to equality. Full video is available at this link.

The forum brough together transgender New Yorkers and their families, law enforcement, advocates, and public officials from around the state to testify on the obstacles to equality faced by many transgender individuals, and the potential impact of GENDA. The following is a collection of testimony and resources provided by the forum's participating individuals and organizations.

Great news for transit riders: the MTA heeded our call and will increase L train service beginning this Sunday!

It's no surprise that many of you have reached out to me about overcrowded, infrequent and delayed L trains. That's why, last year, I asked the MTA to do a full-line review -- and, with that review, urged the agency to increase the number of L trains it runs on weekends and weekdays.

Now, beginning this Sunday, we'll see 7 additional L trains each Sunday, 16 each weekday, and 11 each Saturday. Riders tired of the crushing crowds and overflowing trains will now have an L trip a lot less likely to feel like hell!

Thank you for being here today. I’m really glad so many were willing to brave the rain. And I’m glad you were able to join the Community Convention without missing out on a beautiful day around the district. A day like today, this is the perfect place to be.

And it’s going to be a great event. That would not have happened without the help of some generous volunteers and community members. Thank you!

Of course, whatever the weather is outside, your presence here today, when there is so much to do and life is so busy, is a big deal. And not just because it’s Earth Day.

In 2010, the Supreme Court gave birth to today's now-infamous Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited corporate political spending. The damage is clear: Super PACs have already spent over $68 million this election cycle, creating a flood of unaccountable corporate dollars that wash out the voice of real people.

Make no mistake: these unlimited corporate contributions are a threat to our democratic process. We must empower people - rather than corporations - in our politics.

Join Senator Squadron for a community discussion on what's next in Albany and in our community. Senator Squadron will report on the progress made on issues raised at the 25th Senate District community convention in March, and take input and questions on a variety of other topics.

Please RSVP for one of the following discussions to Jordan Levine at 212-298-5565 or jlevine@nysenate.gov.

I'm pleased to provide parents and educators with my 2011-2012 Parent Resource Guide, a comprehensive listing of educational and government resources, civic and community services, health care resources, cultural and recreational programs, and preschool, day care and summer camp programs.

I'll be greeting parents and students and distributing guides at schools throughout the 25th Senate District this week. You can download a copy of the Parent Resource Guide below, or contact my office to receive a hard copy.

On August 16th, Senator Squadron and his colleagues hosted a symposium titled "After 'I Do': What's Next for LGBT New Yorkers?" Even after the historic marriage equality vote, LGBT New Yorkers still face a number of challenges after they’re married -- including DOMA, GENDA, interstate travel and relocation, adoption, social security, and health benefits. This page features a number of resources from our panelists on remaining post-marriage obstacles, as well as the broader challenges to true equality for all. Click here (or scroll down) for video of the symposium.

Ponding is a small body of still water formed by the hollowing or embanking of the streets that can cause unpleasant smells, adversely affect the quality of life of those who live and work nearby, and have negative public health and environmental consequences. Senator Squadron is currently working to alleviate the problem and needs your help.

Please fill out a survey about how ponding has impacted your quality of life, business, and/or day-to-day experience: